Harpswell on the Web

ABOUT HARPSWELL

Peninsulas, islands and the highest headlands join in an intricate design cast by the glaciers of the Ice Age to give Harpswell one of the most distinctive geographic profiles of any Maine-coast town. On the west is a single peninsula, Harpswell Neck, a thin finger of granite, pine and rolling meadows dotted with classic 19th-century homes, a scattering of working farms, white churches of architectual perfection and the no-nonsense front yards of the Neck's scores of working lobstermen. To the east, Harpswell's other half is really a string of three islands - Great, Orr's and Bailey. Each is joined by bridges, of which the Cribstone Bridge that links Orr's and Bailey is the only engineering marvel of its kind left in the world. Those who live on these islands are either part of the growing residential community, summer cottage owners or lobstermen and fishermen. Judging by the number of working boats moored in Mackerel Cove, Cundy's Harbor and each of the several other fine deep-water harbors that are Harpswell's greatest natural resource, those lobstermen and their fishing brethren are still a pivotal part of their community.

Harpswell is made up of some 47 offshore islands (the most in Maine and possibly of any town in the lower 48) with 216.8 miles of coastline. Local lore suggests the islands are haunted, some claim visits improve their health, and there is said to be buried treasure on some islands. While the islands are inviting because of their raw beauty and solitude, there are several islands that have unique features such as seabird nesting colonies, historic sights, and protected beaches.

Original page designed by Sandy Swallow.